SAN FRANCISCO — The basketball world lit up when Klay Thompson made his long-awaited return to game action in the Warriors’ 96-82 win agains the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.
After 941 days rehabbing from two major injuries — a torn ACL in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals coupled with an achilles tear weeks before he was set to make his return again — Thompson reintroduced himself with bang. He scored 17 points in 20 minutes with three three-pointers, including a poster dunk that brought his journey full circle.
The Warriors’ celebration began as soon as Thompson announced his return with a Space Jam movie-inspired clip posted on his social media accounts. Steph Curry, who lit up for 28 points and four three-pointers in Monday’s win, asked fans on social media to post their favorite Thompson moments in anticipation of “Klay Day.”
Monday afternoon pre-game, all Thompson’s teammates arrived to Chase Center wearing a Thompson No. 11 jersey. Curry warmed up still wearing his Thompson jersey.
Once the game started, NBA players from around the league chimed in to share how Thompson’s return made them feel.
LeBron James Tweeted a flurry of flame emojis in response to someone excited for his return.
Retired NBA champion Dwyane Wade tweeted: “Good morning!!! Today is Klay Day! Welcome back @KlayThompson.”
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Patrick Beverley, a thorn in the Warriors’ side for years, tweeted: “The Game has missed @KlayThompson glad u back gang.”
Retired player and 2016 NBA champion with the Cavaliers Channing Frye tweeted: “I’ve seen hundreds of players come back but I’ll say personally ‘I almost shed a tear for Klay and his journey.”
Three-time sixth-man of the year Jamal Crawford added tweeted: “So dope seeing Klay back on the court!”
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum tweeted: “The game missed Klay. Happy to have you back champ!”
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